Free!

As Akira sprinted through the bustling city, he was spotted by police officers who tailed after him struggling to squirm through crowds of people dotted in the street.

His heart pounded like a drum, matching the rhythm of his footsteps. He darted through alleyways and side streets, desperately trying to lose the police officers who had spotted him. To them, his behavior appeared suspicious, and they were determined to catch him.

The distant sound of sirens grew louder, echoing through the labyrinthine streets. Akira's breath came in ragged gasps as he pushed himself to run faster, his muscles burning with exertion. He glanced over his shoulder, seeing the officers gaining ground. Panic surged within him, fueling his desperate escape.

His feet carried him through the familiar maze of streets until he finally reached the partially rundown apartment building he called home. With adrenaline coursing through his veins, he raced up the flights of stairs, his feet pounding against the worn-out steps. Bursting through the door of his small apartment, he slammed it shut and locked it behind him.

Leaning against the door, he panted heavily, his chest heaving with each breath. City sounds filtered through the walls. A reminder of the world outside that was both vibrant and perilous.

Akira stumbled across the dark room, turning the light on to reveal a surprising luxurious apartment. His vision blurred, and the world spun around him. The crystal, clutched tightly in his hand, radiated a faint warmth that contrasted with the cold sweat on his brow.

As he gazed at the crystal's pulsing light, his surroundings seemed to waver and shift. He saw images of the Nova Corps members, the icy path he had left behind, and the chaotic malfunctioning technology. The realization of what he had inadvertently done weighed heavily on his mind.

His vision dimmed at the edges as exhaustion took hold. The crystal slipped from his grasp, clattering onto the floor. Before he could register anything else, darkness consumed him, and he felt himself slipping away.

In the hazy state between consciousness and unconsciousness, he saw flickers of movement. A figure paced back and forth, blurry and indistinct. He strained to focus his eyes, his energy waning.

"Mai?" he managed to whisper, his voice barely audible.

The pacing figure stopped abruptly, and as the haze cleared, Akira recognized the familiar face of his childhood friend. Mai's expression shifted from concern to relief as she rushed forward, kneeling beside him.

"Akira! You're finally awake," she exclaimed, her voice a mix of worry and relief.

"Mai," he murmured, a weak smile forming on his lips.

"You scared me half to death," Mai scolded, her eyes brimming with tears that she quickly wiped away. "What were you thinking, we were only supposed to look around then leave soon after"

Akira looks around a long of worry spreads across his face, "The crystal?".

Mai points at his hand and responds, "It's there, I tried taking it out if your hand while you were unconscious but you wouldn't let go"

Mai's expression softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "What happened ... at the slums?"

No response.

His eyes grew heavy and his consciousness faded once more, he clung to Mai's words, pausing before tightening his grip on the crystal and finally passing out.